Combined range-finding, plotting, predicting, and gun-adjusting device



L. A. SMITH. COMBINED RANGE FINDING, PLOTTING, PREDICTING, AND GUN ADJUSTING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-l, I917.

Patented July 13, 1920.

6 SHEEIS-SHEEI I.

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FF M L I I I I l I r n I I I I I I I I I n l I I I I I I I I I I L. A. SMITH. COMBINED RANGE FINDING, PLOTTING,'PREDIGTING, AND GUN ADJUSTING DEVICE.

' APPLICATION FILED AUG-l, 1917. 1,346,430.

PLOTTER I L. A. SMlTH;

COMBINED RANGE FINDING, PLOTTING, PREDICTING, AND GUN ADJ USTING DEVICE. APPLICAIION FILED AUG- 19H. 1,346,430. Patented July 13, 1920.-

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= L. A. SMITH. COMBINED RANGE FINDING, PLOTTING, PREDICTING, AND GUN ADJUSTING DEVICE.

- APPLICATION FILED AUG-I, 1911.

1,346,430, Patented July 192.0.

*IIII I II II v LASWM. COMBINED RANGE FINDING, PLOTTING, PREDICTING, AND GUN ADJUSTING DEVICE.

Patented July 13, 1920.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. I, 19H.

I 6 SHEEIS-SHEEI 5.

QFF a rIIIIIIIII!II!IIIIIIIIll!IlII/I/IIIII'II'II'I'I Il/ll/lYlI/l I I:

L. A. SMITH. COMBINED RANGE FINDING, PLOTTING, FREDICTING, AND GUN ADJUSTING DEVICE.

Armcmou man AUGJ, m1.

1,34=6,430 Patented my 13,1920.

6 SHEEIS-SIIEEI 6L UNITED srArss Pi -AT li;N -'1 "-QFFICE;

moms]; IAQSIMITH; or mnnjnm rnnsra'iinsl AHSISIGNOB OF .ONE-HALETO mnnw cannon, or wesn'mq'ron, ns'rn cr or, COLUMBIA,

' COMBINED Barren-Emma, riqortrmc, TEREDIQTINQ, ennlcu g eiil nsrine nnvicn.

To all whom it may concern:

1;34 .430 speiaan ii of Letters Patent? l atented J nl y 1 3, 19 20.

.- Application filed August 1. 1917. 1 Serial NoL' 183.956.

011s parts and to obviate mistakes which Be it known that I, LEONARD A..SMITH,- a

tate the spontaneous operation of the varifrequently occur in I'the heat and excitementarm; and, also illustrating their relative citizen of thellnited States, and an officer. of battle and-l which might not otherwise in the United StatesArmy, have invented arise. '2, w I 1 certain new and useful Improvements in Al further object of the invention is to Combined Range-Finding, Plotting, .Breincrease" tl1e present effective or accurate dieting, and. Gun-Adjusting Devices, f of battlemznge'-of"nava1guns. i which the followingis a'specifi'cation. With these ends in view, the invention The present invention relates to range broadly consists, first,- otmechanisnito finding, course'plotting-and rangeepredicb simultaneouslyfind 'anddirectly indicate i d i tl1e position"o1'-plot-ofthe' course ofthe' In the present systems of range-finding, target; second, of cooperating means to pre- 6'5 plotting ,and predicting, there :is a- "great dict the range of the tar get; third, of mechaa-mount of time consumed and lost in, first, nism includinga gun-arm to coincide withobserving thetarget; then, communicatlng the'predicted =range and cause the adjustthe observations to the plotting-room where mentof the g'un' in proper ratio; and fourth, the course or position of the target is plotted of 1necl1anisn1 "fo1" effecting --the synchro and calculated, and the range for setting nous operation of-the aforesaid mechanisms the guns is predicted; and, communicating and the adjustment of thegun, whereby the thepredicted range to the gunnenwho must latter may be constantly set in position to then, in return, adjust the gun to the proper fire effectively simultaneouslywith each obpredicted range. Bysuch methods, a-miniservationp z. v 5 mum of about twenty seconds, allowing for The invention also contemplates the prothe travel of the shell, are consumed 'be- "ision of novel means for indicating or retween the last observation and arrival of the cording the position or course of the target shell to the predicted point. This lapse of upon the plotting-board in units of time; time, which in most instances is greater, and,-'further,=the provision of novel means often gives the target sufiicient time to to allow for windage and refraction of light. change its course from the predicted one, Other objects and features of the invenconsequently, rendering the first calculations tion will be apparent from the following deineil'ective and requiring new calculations to scription read in connection with the accom be made and the firing oi numerous volleys panying drawings-and in which the specific before actually hitting the target. In some construction, combination and arrangement instances, the target succeeds in so diverting of parts are set'forth and finally pointed its course until completely out of the range out in the appended claims. I of the gun. In-the'drawings which disclose a mecha- The object of this invention is the provinism embodying the principles of the insion of a simple and compact range-finding, vention:- 1 plotting and predicting mechanism to be at- Figure 1 is a side elevation of a gun and tached or embodied in the construction of gun-mount equipped with the present invena gun for controlling its adjustment and tion,

whose sequence of operation is so inter- Fig. 2 is a top-plan view of Fig. 1, woven with the adjusting operation of the Fig. 3 is a vertical, transverse sectional gun as to reduce to zero the lapse of time view of the gun, gun-mount and range findirom the last observation to the time the ing mechanism taken substantially on line projectile leaves the gun, thereby avoiding 3 3 of Fig. 1,

the disadvantages, above enumerated, of the Fig. 4 is anunder view taken on line present systems. 4-4 of Fig. 1,

It is also an object of the invention to Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectotally eliminate mental calculation so as to tional view taken substantially on line reduce the operators duties to simply meof Fig. 3, illustrating the mechanism for chanical manipulations in order to facilioperating the indi'cators-arm, and the gunposition the manner in whichthe plot 7 is 'a vertical sectional view of the mechanism, shown: under the indicator-arm in= Fig. 5, for transmitting longitudinal movement to the gun-arm, and taken at right-angles to Fig. 8,

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional View of the.

mechanism shown in Fig. 7 and taken substantially on line 88 of Fig. 7

Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary side. elevation of the indicator-arm with portions broken away toshow the detail construction and also showing the indicator mounted thereon,

Fig. 10 is a transverse. section taken'substantially on' line 10' -l0 of Fig. 9, and showing the indicator mounted on theindicator- Fig. fragmentary under View of the indicator-arm shown in Fig. 9,

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary detail 'perspec tive of the sleeve. which surrounds the rotating rod of the indicator-arm,

Fig. 13 is a'transverse sectional view of the indicator device formarking or perforating the course of-the target,

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary detail perspective of the cam wheel which is actuated by a clock mechanism to operate the marking or perforating members,

Fig. 15 is a side elevation of an expansible andfiexible measuring device contemplated by the invention for use in connection with the indicator,

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary side elevation of the gun-arm equipped with a pointer and novel mechanism for adjusting the pointer to compensate for windage and refraction of light,

Fig. 17 is a plan of the mechanism shown in Fig. 16,

Fig. 18 is taken on 1S18 of Fig. 16,

Fig. 19 shows a modified construction of pointer of the gun-arm, and

Fig. 20 is a detail view of a gearing for transmitting motion to the gun-arm.

Like characters denote similar and like parts throughout the specification and drawin s.

The mechanism according to the invention is particularly adapted for use with naval guns, however, it can be used to advantage with coast defense and artillery guns.

For present purposes the invention is shown applied to a naval gun A supported by the usual mounting B rotatably mounted on the usual base 0, the mounting B including the recoil-sleeve D pivotally mounted on its trunnions (I for vertical movement and having the gun A slidably. mounted therein. The recoil-cylinders E are secured to the recoil-sleeve and the gun A has connection withthe'plungers F in therecoil-cylinders. The mounting B is rotatableabout its vertical pivot Z) to efi'ect horizontal adjustment of the gun. This adjustment is accomplished by operating a crank-handle G,

mounted on the mounting B, and which actuates agearing g in mesh with stationary gear H secured to the base C. Elevations and depressions of .the gun are eflected in the usual manner by an operation of a crankhandle I connected with suitable mechanism,

not shown, which rotates the gun verticallytion is adaptable .to guns and gun-mounts ofother constructions.

The range-finding device according to the invention includes a-gun-pointers telescope 1, which, for the present, is to be considered as having its line of sight parallel to the gun. The telescope l is rigidly supported and carried on one end of a rigid horizontal carrying-arm 2 extending at right-angles to the line of the sight of the telescope to form the base of a right-angle triangle. The base or carrying-arm 2 is supported by and movable with the gun-mounting 13 (Figs. 1 to i) so that any rotation of the latter, which would affect the horizontal adjustment of the gun, will correspondingly adjust the line of sight of the telescope 1. To permit the telescope l to be elevated and depressed correspondingly with the elevation and depression of the gun, the carrying arm 2 is extended through and is mounted in a sleeve 3 journaled in the gun-mounting B and held in position by the retaining rings 4, the sleeve having a positive connection with the gun by a link 5 (Fig. 5) which will rotate the sleeve correspondingly with the movement of the gun on its trunnions.

The range-finders telescope 6 is mounted for horizontal pivotal, movement on the opposite end of the carrying-arm. preferably at the side of the gun opposite the telescope 1, and its line of sight is the hypotenuse of the right-angle triangle, above mentioned. This telescope 6 may be mounted in any manner that will permit the proper and accurate operation of the invention, but ac cording to the present embodiment is mount-- ed on a gear-box 7 rigid on the carrying-arm annular track 11, which is embraced by the clips 12 on theboard to prevent rattling and excess loose. movement of the board (Figs. 4 and 5). Since the plotting-board is rotatably mounted on the extension 8, it permits. of, orientation; and, may be accomplisheclby a worm 13 on a crank-shaft l4 journal ed on the undersurface of the board (see ig. i) v and meshing with teeth 15 von the fixed track 11. .,The plotting board is provided.- 7 with a gyroscopic-compass 16, at some pointadjacentthe crank-handlel? which actuates theshaft 1 4; It is, of course, understoodthat oneman-is stationedat the crank-handle. 17,. whose .duty it is to keep theplotting-board oriented relative ;,to a se-' lected point on the compass .15 so that toss-' ingiand; drifting of the;ship will not afiect the proper. .mapgposition, which is-to be in-i' dicated, ofthe target relative to the-ship. To facilitate a free andeasy movement of the plotting-board, anti friction rollers; 18, may beinterposed between the boardand the track 11. The plotting-board may be either roundorioblong, as maybe found best lIlPIil-CUCG,;a.l1d m3.y ha-V6 either a pla n orscaled record .sheet or map, of'suitable maijzferial, removably secured on its upper surace. V

An indicator-arm 19 extends from the gear-box and carries an indicator 20 to record or otherwise indicate the position of target on the map. This map is so posi-- tioned on the plotting-board relative to the indicating-arm that'an accurate plotting of the target is obtained through a proper op eration of the indicator 20. The indicating, arm 19, preferably, consists of a tubular ex tension or sleeve (Figs. 9, Hand 12) rigidly mounted on the gear-box 7 and'extend' ing rearwardly therefrom to lie spacedand substantially parallel with the board 9 andat right-angles to the carrying-arm 2, it being understood that the box 7 is rigid on the carrying-arm; and, therefore, the indicators arm moves therewith and is constantly maintained at right-angle to the carrying-arm and parallel with the line of sight through the gun-pointers telescope 1, which is considered for the present as parallel to the gun A. Consequently, any horizontal adjustment of the gun will swing the carrying-arm 2, which movement of the arm shifts the indicator-arm over the sur- I mounted face-of the plotting-board, as the latter is kept oriented. relative tov a selected point on the compass 16, as indicatedin dotted lines in Fig.2; i

. The indicator consists of a housing 20 in slidable engagement with the indicator-arm 19 which extends through the housing, the latter having a pin 2l..projecting through an elongated slot 22 in the sleeve of the in dicator-arm and in constant engagement with the threads of therotatable rod 28 disposed in saidsleeve so that the indicator will be moved alongthe length'of the indicator-arm by the rotation of said threaded rod The rod 23 is actuated from or is. otherwiseactuated in synchronisrn with i the horizontal pivotal movement of the range-findeflstelescope (3, which is actuated, inthe present instance, 1 by crank-handle 24 on a worm shaft 25 in mesh with a ear 26 fast. on the axisi27 of-the telescope, train of revolution-multiplying gears 28 are suitably-arranged inithe gearrbox 7 to. transmit the motion of; the gear ,26. to the threaded rodr23. This gearing 28m'ay besuch as would multiply the revolutions of the rod 23 to. any desired number, according to-the range of the gun on which the'present device is to be'used. -,Thus, infinding the range of a target, the-target is. Sighted bythe gunpointers telescope l'which brought in position by the; operation oi -the v crank-handles G and I,;which move and: adjust the telescope l.

correspondingly over the plotting-board,

which latter is being kept oriented. At the sametime the range-finders telescope 6 is brought in position to sight the target by an operation of the crank-handle 24, which operation also rotates the rod 23 to slide the indicator 20 on the indicator-arm 19. Therefore, the orange o-f'the target is indicatedon the surface of the plotting board by the combined movement vof the telescopes Land 6. The distance from the target is, however, determined by the degree of angle between the carrying-arm 2, orbase of the right-angle triangle, and the line of sight of the telescope 6, which forms the hypotenuse of the triangle; and, in order that the indicator 2O mayslide on the indicator-arm only to a degree in ratial proportion to the distance of the target from the gun so that the accurate map distance of the target may be indicated on the plotting board, the threads on the rod 23 increase in pitch (Fig.9) as the distance per second of angle increases between the carrying arms 2 and the telescope 6. Obviously, the degree of angle between the arm 2 and the telescope 6 governs the degree of sliding movement of the indicator 20 on the indicator-arm; O'f'course, the pitch of the threads on the r'od 23-vary' according to the range of thegun with which it is used. It is contemplated to have the indicator 20 actually and directly) trace the'course of the target on the 'map' or record sheet as it is moved overthe plotting board in the manner just stated, and,also, to indicate on the map the distance traveled in certain predetermined periods of time. In the present embodiment, the indicator 20 has two needles 29 and 30 vertically arranged and'slidably mounted therein (Fig. 13). To obtain a compact arrangement of the needles, the one 29 has a longitudinal bore in which is slidably disposed the needle 30 of a comparatively less diameter. The piercing ends of the needles project through the lower end of the indicator housing to normally lie in close proximity to the surface of the plotting board. A'cloek mechanism 20 is mounted on the indicator 20 to actuate said needle 29 for piercing the map, say, every five's'e'conds andito actuate the needle 30 foe-piercing the map say, every second, 'whereby the course of-the target will be indicated by a line of perforationsflin the map, the space between the perforations representing the distance traveled by the target or therelative distance between the -gun'and the' target, at prede termined intervals of'time. In view .of the relative size of the :needles 29 and 30, the perforations made by them will, of course vary so that intervals of one second and five seconds are readily distinguishable. Therefore, assuming the target has been sighted moving'from the gun in the direction of the arrow X, Fig. 2, its course will be sli'own on the plotting-board in the manner indicated at c, and the varying speed of the target or the relative distance between the gun and target, at'predetermined intervals of time, can be easily estimated by reckoning with the varying distances between each perforation on the map.

Movement is transmitted from the clock mechanism 20 to the needles by a wheel 31 within the indicator 20 and rotatably connected with the clock mechanism and having two concentric cam-ribs 32 and 33 thereon which are engaged by the rollers 34: and 35, respectively, carried on the ends of the vertical rods 36and 37 respectively. These rods are slidably mounted in the indicator and the rollers 34 and 35 are yieldingly held in engagement with thecam ribs by springs 39. Horizontal levers 39 connect the upper end of the needles 29 and 30 to the ends of the rods 36 and 37, respectively, and each is pivoted intermediate its ends to a swinging link 40 so as to permit a free unbinded movement of the lever Each of the cam ribs 32 and 33 has a notch or a plurality of notches 41 thereiiii in which there 11675 34 and35; are

rotated by the clock'mechanisml Thus, rods 36-and"37 are moved upwardly causing, through the medium of"the"levers 39, -'a downward f movement of the-needles" to pierce the map. To effect a quick piercing operation of the needles, each notch 41 has the approaching edge thereof substantially perpendicular to the roller engaging edge of the ribs as at m (Fig. 14:) so that the springs 38 will instantaneously"raise the rods 36 and 37 when a notch is encountered; and, the opposite edge'of the notch is ab ruptly beveled,-'as at n,' so 'that'the -rods are then immediately shifted downwardly andthe "needle withdrawn from piercing position. There are as many notches 4.1 in thec am ribs 32'- and 33 as avilLeifeet-a PiercQ ing operation of the larger needle ,29every five seconds and of the smaller 'neeille 3l) everysecond; or conversely if desired? f "-Thus far, it will beclear 'hoxv' the target and its course are-plotted and theplot' ting is the actual-result of the com-banana; just-merits of the "gun pointers' 'alco e '1 and the range finders telescope 6, the'-adjustment of the former also'being cheese; res ending adjustment ofthe' 3 ow, that the pastcourse hasbeen plotted, the future course *is predicted by tracing or reckoning with the *past course. This'is done, preferably, by a flexible andentensiljle' ruler 42 (Fig. '15) mounted on the indicator 20-and movable therewith. The ruler 42-, in the present showing, is of ajlazy-tong construction having pointers 43 and 44 on'opposite ends thereofand is vertically pivoted at its longitudinal center 4:2 to a collar 45, which latter surrounds the housing of'the indicator 20 adjacent the projecting ends of the needles 29 and :30 and is rotatably' mounted for horizontal movement between the retaining guides 46. By this construction ofthe ruler 42, it will be seen that equal portions thereof extend onjopposite sides of the needles'29 and 30 in both its extended and retracted positions, and that the ruler is rotatably shift-able relative to the indicator in order to facilitate proper measuring manipulations thereof. The measuring manipulations are made by one man, who-may be termed the plotter. and who bends the ruler to correspond with curvatures and angles of the course shown by the line of perforations. It is to be understood, however, that in manipulating the ruler, the portion thereof at one side of the pivot 42, say the half indicated by 0, actually traces and lies coincident with the course traveled, andthat the portion at the other side of said pivot 4:2 say the half indicated by p, lays the predicted course.

The predicted range is estimated by this invention, as is usually the case, from the past or'traveled course. Therefore, should the past course he, say zig-zag, the portion 0 I of the ruler is flexed to conform to the last 'curve or angle of travel indicated on the map and, since the plotter grasps the ruler with his right and'left hands at both ends, and equal pressure is exerted on each end during flexing, resulting in both portions 0 and 7 being flexed to corresponding degrees, the portion of the ruler representing the predicted course to be taken. Obviously, the ruler 42 would be manipulated in the same manner should the course shown by the perforations be straight or in arc. during use lies in a vertical plane so that it may be readily flexed and, when not in use, may be retracted and swung upwardly from the surface of the plotting-board by virtue of the pivot 4-2:

The mechanism, thus far described, finds the range of the target and plots the relative course between the gun and the target, and adjusts the gun on the target simultaneously with the telescopes.

In the event, however, that the target is moving relatively to the gun, the gun must, obviously, be advanced ahea'd' of the course of the target just sufficiently to allow forthe travel of the projectile to the target at its observed range in order that the projectile and target shall meet, as is well understoodin the art. This is accomplished, in the present invention, by the gun-setter who adjusts or shifts the carrying-arm 2 to set the telescopes back oil the target (independently of any adjustment of the gun caused by the gun-pointer) an amount corresponding to the amount which the gun should be advanced; and, the gun pointer seeing that his telescope is being moved oil of the target thereupon operates the crank-handles G and I to bring his telescope on. the target which operation simultaneously adjusts the gun to the proper degree in advance of the target,

said gun being on the target prior to the' shifting back of the telescopes. It is to be understood that when the gun is to be elevated to the predicted range the telescopes are depressed: that when the gun is to be depressed the telescopes are elevated; and that when the gun is to be adjusted laterally say to the right, the telescopes are adjusted laterally to the left. etc.

To carry this into practice in the present embodiment of the invention, the carryingarm 2 is pivoted in the sleeve 3 by means of a ball and socket joint 47 and the sleeve has horizontally extending slots 3 at its end in which the bearing blocks 48 and 49 are slidably mounted, the ends of the carrying-arm extending through and being journaled in said blocks. This construction permits the carrying-arm to swing laterally for a limited degree about its pivot 47 independently of the movement of the gun-mount B, and

The ruler and have the crank-ha-n'dles 52 and 53, re-

spectively, on their outer ends. The shaft 50 is journaled in brackets 54: rigid on the arm 2 and has a pinion 55 on its opposite or inner end meshing with a segmental rack 56 vertically arranged on the bearing block 49. The shaft '51 is journaled in the bearing block 49 and is also supported by a collar 57 rotatable on the arm 2. The inner end of the shaft 51 carries a pinion 58 meshing with a independently vof the depressions and elevations caused by. the gun-pointer; and, that ,an. operationbf, the crank moves the pinion 58 foverthe rack 59 and causes the carrying. arm'2' to swing laterally about its pivotriLTinibrder to effect lateral adjustments of 'the telescopes independently of the latferal adjustment caused by an operation of thegun-pointers crank G.

A gun-arm 60 is provided so that the aforesaid independent adj ustment of the telescopes can be accurately made and is actuated in unison and synchronism with said independent adjustment of the telescopes by the crank-handle 52 and 53, which cause said adjustment of the telescopes. The gun-arm has a pointer 61. on its outer end to coincide with the predicted range and maybe moved to any position on the plotting board, the handle 52 controlling its longitudinal movement oyerthe board and the handle 53 controlling. its lateral movement over the board. i

' The gun-arm is disposed below the indicators arm 19 and is mounted in a housing 62 arranged within the gear-box 7 and extends through elongated slot '2' inv the gear-box. The gun-arm consists of a straight barwpreferably I-shaped in cross section and-is slidably received in a correspondingly shaped passage or groove in the upper portion of the housing 62 which firmly maintains the gun-arm in position, and the under face of the bar has rack teeth 65 thereon for a purpose which will later appear, (Figs. 7 and 8). The housing 62 has a tubular supporting spindle 63 depending therefrom into the tubular extension 8 of the carrying-arm 2 where it is rotatably supported by a collar 64k rigid to the extension 8 (Fig. 5). The lower end oi the tubular spindle 63 has a worm gear 66in mesh with a worm wheel 67 fast on the shaft i'iQ so thatthe housing 62. will be rot-ated about its vertical axis to move the gun-arm laterally over the plotting-board in unison and in ratial proportion to correspond with theindependentlateral adjustment of the telescopes. which is effected by the pinion 58 on the rack 59.

.The longitudinal movement of the gun- .arm' is transmitted from the shaft 51 through I .tical shaft 70 rotatably mounted in the tua gearing generally indicated at 68 to a. verbular spindle 63, and a suitable gearing is disposed in the housing 62 between the shaft 70am]. gun-arm (SO'that will accurately move the latter relative to the map in varying dcgreesaccording to. the increase-and decrease of distance per angle of elevation of [the gun, the greatest distance per angle of elevation being at the commencement of the elevating adjustment of the gun and decreasing as 'it approaches 1ts extreme elevation, .,and conversely. In the present instance, thislatter gearing consists of aslidable rack-bar 71. 5, 7 and 8) having .a carriage 72 provided witha pin 72 engaging the threads of the threaded shaft 73having afgear 74.1neshing with the gear 75 fthe shaft 1 70. The rack 71 meshes ,with :the pinion on the shaft 77 having 'an 'enlargedngear 78 on one end thereof, preferably exteriorly of the housing 62,sa1 d gear 7 8 meshingavith a pinion 79 on the shaft 80 having another pinion 81 thereon 1 meshing with the teeth 65 on the gun-arm.

The "threads on .the shaft 73 gradually de- 1 crease in pitch from one end to the other in order that-the longitudinal movement of the gun-arm will decrease as the elevation of the gimincreases, as ust mentioned, for

indicating the exact map distance of the target.v Obviously, the pointer 61 of the gun-arm may be moved-to any position on the plotting board to indicate the map position of the target .by an operation of the crank-handles 52 and 53, whichalso set the 7 telescopes backed thetarget in correspondproportions .to fthe map distance indieated by the .gun-arm and in synchronism with the movement of the gun-arm, when it s desired to advance the gun to the predicted range. -As the gun-arm is moved lover. the plotting board, an indicator 82 of any approved construction will register the Jaime it takes the projectile to travel to the point indicated on the board by the pointer 6l,the indicator, being positioned so that it can beeasily read by the plotter. The indicator .62 is illustrated as being actuated by the longitudinal movement of'the gun-arm from the shaft 80 through the worm gearing 83 and is supported by and movable with the housing 62.

The gearing 68 is such as will permit the carryingarm 2 to rotate relatively to the shaft 51, and yet capable at all times to is ee transmit motion from the shaft 51 to the shaft 70 as well as permit the shaft 51 to be supported from the carrying-arm 2. The gearing consists of a rack 8 1 meshing with a gear 69 on the shaft 7 0 and having a sleeve 85 at one end surrounding and splined on the arm 2. The sleeve 85 has the collar 57 surrounding it and rotatable thereon, however, held against longitudinal movement on the sleeve by a rib S6 accommodated in a slot in the collar, or by other suitable means. The collar has a threaded opening 87 in one side thereof through which the shaft 51 extends, a portion of said shaft being also threaded for engagement with the threads of the opening 87 to cause longitudinal movement of the rack 84 as the shaft is rotated.

Now, in the practical use of the invention, to sight a moving target the gun-pointer adjusts his telescope l .on the target by an operation of the gun adjusting crankhandles G and I, which also move the indicator-arm 19 over the plotting board, said arm being parallel with the telescope 1 as explained. Simultaneously with the adjustment of the telescope 1, the range-finder .operates the crank-handle 2% to move his telescope 6 on the target, resulting in the indicator 20 being moved on'the arm 19 to indicate the exact position of the target on plotter will be flexing, or otherwise placing.

the ruler, so that the p0rtion, say, 0 would coincide with the course as indicated by the line of perforations and whereby the portion 2) of the ruler would indicate an extension of the passed course, or in other words predict the future course to be taken by the target, as has been fully explained above.

New, simultaneously with these operations the gun-setter operates the crankhandles 52 and to move the gun-arm so that the pointer (51 will substantially coincide with needles 29 and 30. This movement of the' gun-arm will actuate the time indicator 82 to indicate to the plotter the time it will take the projectile to reach the target at its observed and indicated position. As is well understood in the art, the gun should be advanced ahead of the target to a degree allowed for the distance the target would travel in the time consumed byposition of the gun-arm pointer 61.

the flight of projectile, in order that the projectile and target shall meet. Assuming that the indicator 82 shows that it would take the projectile four seconds to reach the target at its present position, the plotter would adjust the ruler 42, by expanding or retracting it, so that the portion 0 thereof would trace or embrace between its pointer 43 and the needles 29 and 30 that distan e traveled by the target and indicated by the last four seconds of time. In view of the construction of the ruler, the portion 7) thereor will be extended a distance equal to the distance at which the portion 0 is eX- tended, and therefore, the pointer 44 will indicate upon the map the position of the target in the next four seconds of time. After this prediction has been made the gun-setter operates the crank-handles 52 and so as to bring the pointer 61 of the gun-arm to coincide with the position pre dicted by the pointer 44 of the plotters ruler,which operation of the crank-handles 52 and 53 simultaneously moves or sets back the telescopes off the target to a degree corresponding to the movement or adjusted This adjustment caused by the operation of the crank-handles 52 and 53 may result in either elevating, depressing, or laterally adjusting the sights as has been fully set forth above.

:Now, it is the duty of the gun-pointer to constantly keep his telescope 1 on the target and when seeing that his sight is being moved off of the target (by the adjustment caused by the handles 52 and immediately operates the gun-adjusting crankhandles G and I to bring his telescope in position to sight the target. This adjustment caused by the gun-pointer sets the gun A at a proper elevation or adjusts it laterally to the proper degree in advance of the target so as to deliver the projectile at the predicted position indicated on the map by the pointer 44 of the plotters ruler 42.

-It is to be understood that when all the instrumentalities of the. above described apparatus have been put into operation and after the first prediction has been made, the adjustments caused by the gun-pointer, range-finder, plotter and gun-setter lose their order of sequence and become so interwoven as to render all of the adjustments in unison and synchronism with each other. The first predictions can be made great facility and celerity as the manipulations of the various parts follow in quick succession with no interval lapsing between them; however, the second cycle of the continued operation of the apparatus finds the operations of the various adjustable instrumentalities merged into one another and the gun A actuated as though it were controlled solely and directly by the operation of the gun-pointer. This is true by reason of the fact that the operators are keenly alert to their individual duties; for instance, the gun-pointer and range-finder constantly keep their telescopes upon the target and the gun-setter constantly observes the indicated and predicted range positions of the target and at the same time keeps the gun-arm pointer (ll coincident with one of the pointers 43 or 44, as the case may be, of the plotters tracer. Therefore, any adjustment by the gun-setter to offset the telescopes is immediately and simultaneously rectified by a counter-adjustment by the gun-pointer keeping his telescope on the target and resulting in the ultimate and simultaneous adjustment of the gun A, as has been ex plained.

Windage and refraction of light are taken care of in the present instance by a suitable adjustment of the pointer 61 on the gunarm 60. The pointer is adjusted to compensate for refraction of light by slidahly mounting it in a block 88 for longitudinal adjustmentwith-respect to the gun-arm 60 and by having a' pinion 89, on the turnshaft 90 journaled in the block, meshing with rack teeth 91 thereon, as clearly-shown in Figs. 16 and 18. Windage is compensated for by having the block 88 laterally adjustable with respect to the gun arm 60.-

In the present instance, the outer endot the gun-arm has a cross-head 92 having rackteeth 93 'on one edge and receiving in grooved guide-ways similar ribs or projections on the block 88. A worm 94, on a turn-shaft 95 journaled in the block, meshes with the teeth 93 to cause said lateral adjustment of the pointer 61. A scale 96 is shown for the windage adjustment and a similar scale may be provided for light refraction adjustments. Fig. 19 shows a detail of a modified construction of gun-arm pointer. This form of a pointer 61 is offset intermediate its end in order to facilitate its cooperation with the ruler pointers 43 and 44 and the needles 29 and 30, especially when the target is moving directly away or toward the gun.

A platform 97 is supported from the gunmounting B and movabletherewith. This platform is preferably co-extensive with the edge of the plotting board 9 and is to have the plotter, orientor and range-finder stationed thereon.

The foregoing clearly describes the invention, however, it is to be understood that certain changes in the construction, combination, organization and arrangement of elements herein set forth and shown may be made that fall within the legitimate scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

x 1. In combination, a gun including a gun mount, and means mounted on the gun mount for constantly giving the range of a ,said movable. sight so as to indicate the map .position oi ;a;target.'.;.-. a

v 4. A- range-finding .pivotecbsupportingmember,- a pair of spaced z coiipe'rating, sights o n saijd member, one rigsight.

target and predicting a;-future range of the target, said, means having connection -With said gun for adjusting the latter in synchronism with the operation of said means, after the first cycle ofoperation whereby said gunis moved to proper position for deli-vering the projectile at the predicted range.

a 2. Ii -combination, an-adjustablymounted gun, and means disposed adjacent the gun for constantly giving the range of a target and 'for predicting the future range of tar get, said means having a connection with saidgun for adjusting the latter in synchronism, with the operation of said means,

afterthe first cycle otoperation whereby the gun is moved to proper position for delivering the projectile at the predicted range 3. A range-finding device comprising, a supporting member rotatably adjustable intermediateitsends, a sight rigid at one'end portion of thej member, a ,movable sight at said last mentionediend portion andcapable nally adjustable thereonby theoperation of device a idly. mounted andrthe otheremovably mounted on the member, a plotting board mountedon said member adjacent the movable sight and being capable of orientation-,vand indicating means arranged-to move over the board to indicate the lateralposition of the I ,target. when -=the 1 supporting member is shifted, and to indicate the distance of the target by the movement -of the movable sight. r

5. A range-finding device .comprisingqa pivoted supporting member, a pair of spaced cooperating sightsron; -fsaid. member, one rigidly mounted and, the other movably mounted on ,the member; a plotting board mounted on said member adjacent the movable sight and being capable of orientation, and indicating means arranged to move over the board to indicate the lateral position of the target; when. the supporting member is shifted, and-to indicate-the distance of the target by I the movement of the movable 6. A range-finding and. plotting device comprising a pivoted supporting member, a pair of spaced cooperating sights on said member, one rigidly mounted and the other ,.movably mounted on the member, a plotting board'mounted on said member adjacent the movable sight and being capable of or1enta- Leeaaao .tion, and operable means --for indicating .on

theboard the position ofj-the target at intervals of time, .said indicatingmeans being movable over the board to indicate the lateral position of the target, when the supporting member is shifted andto indicate the distance of thetarget by the movement of said movable sight.

7. A range-finding and plotting device comprising a plotting board, an indicator movable over the board to indicate the positionof a target, and cooperating and shiftable sights having operative connectionwith the indicator for causing the proper indicating operatlon of the indicator fromithe combined operation of the sights.

:S. A range-finding and plotting device comprising a plottingboard, an indicator movable over the board-to indicate the position of the target and intermittently operable to. record the positionsof the target on the boardand shiftable sights having, oper- 1 ative connection with the indicator for causing the proper indicating movement of the latter 'tromthe combined ioperation g of the sights thus causing the traveledzcq lrse of a moving: target-to be plottedzin intervals of .time.

s 1 9;. AI range finding idevicel comprising, a

j-re'lativelystationary sight, and; la 1 relatively said sights forming the-:i'ighjtangularileg of a triangle with base line and the, last of said sightsv forming; the hypotenuse thereoi a plotting board, anindicator-.movable; over the board and having anzoperablev connection with saidymovablelsight to indi- ;cate on the board thedista'nce of Zatarget as the angle between the base line and movable sight'varies.

base member, a relatively. stationary sight and a'r'elatively movable sight-on the base member, said first sight forming the l-rightangular leg of a triangle with the base mem-.

1,105 10. A-range finding device comprising,- a

ber' and-said last si'ght forming the hyp'otenuse thereof, a plotting board movable. with i the baseline, and an indicator movableover the board and actuated by 'said movable sight'to-indicate on the board the distance -of the target as the anglebetween the base line andthe movable sight-varies, said'base "member being shiftable about a vertical axis to permit an. adjustment of said stationary sight on a target and having connection with; said indicator, whereby the shifting of the base-member will cause the. indicator to move over the board to indicatethe relative lateral positions of the target thereon.

11. A range-finding device comprising, a,- base member, a relatively stationary sight and a relatively movable sight on the base member, said first sight forming the right angular leg of a triangle with base-member and said last sight forming the hypotenuse thereof, said base memberbeing shiftable about a vertical axis to permit an adjustment of said stationary sight on a target, a plotting board pivotally mounted about the axis-of the movable sight for orientation, and an indicator movable over the board and actuated by said movable sight to indicate on the board the distance of the target as the angle between the base member and movable sight-varies, said indicator having connection with said base member, whereby the shifting of the latter will cause the indicator to move over the board to indicate the relative lateral positions of the target thereon.

12. A range-finding and plotting device comprising a plotting board, an indicator movable over the board to indicate the position of a target, shiftable sights having operative connection with the indicator for causing the proper indicating operation of the indicator from the combined operation of the sights, 2a gun-arm movable -overthe board relative to the indicator, 5 and means foroperatin'gthe armi' 13. A range-finding and plotting device comprising a: plotting board, an indicator movable over the "board to indicate the position of a target, sight: mechanism having operative connection'with the indicator for causing the proper indicating operations of the latter, said indicator consisting of means to record on the board the indicated positions of the target, and meansoperable to trace and measure the traveled course recorded on the board and to predict the future-course. 4 v

14. A range-finding and plotting device comprising a plotting board, an indicator movable over the board to indicatetheposition of a target, sight mechanism having operative connection with the indicator for causing the proper indicating operations of the latter, said indicatorconsisting of means to record on the board the indicated positions of the target, and means operable to trace and measure the traveled course recorded on' the board and to predict the future range. and a gun arm movable over the board relatively to the indicator to coinci'de with the predicted range, and means for operating the arm. Y 15. A range finding device comprising, a carrying arm movable about a substantially vertical axis, a pair of sight members on the arm, one being stationarily disposed on the arm and having its line of sight normally parallel with the gun while the other is movably disposed on the arm, means for shifting said arm whereby said first sight is traversed, a plotting board, an indicator arran ed in cocperative relation with the board and being shiftable over the board in one direction by the movement of said arm and shiftable over the board at an angle to its :first "mentioned direction of movement by the movement of the movable sight, whereby the combined observations of the sights operate the indicator to indicate on the board the position of a'target.

'16. In a; range-finding and predicting device, the' combination with an adjustably mounted gun, of a horizontal carrying-arm mounted to move about a vertical axis with the lateral adjustment of the gun and to move about its longitudinal axis with the elevation and depression of the gun, a sight member stationarily mounted on said arm and having its line of sight normally parallel with the gun, a plotting board pivotally mounted on the arm for orientation, an indicator-ar'm connected to the carrying-arm to-be shifted laterally over the board by the lateral movement of the carrying arm,

arr-indicator adjustably mounted on the indicator-arm' and including means for recording on the board at predetermined intervals '0 time, 'ase'cond sight: member 'pivotally mountedron the carrying-arm, an operable connection between said 5 second sight. and the indicator :for adjusting the latterionthe indicator-armiito indicate on the board inratial proportions the distance of atarget, a gun-arm mounted to move over the board and having a pointer'the'reomia time-indicating means controlled by 5 the movement of said arm for indicating the time-to be consumed'by the projectile in its Lflig'ht' to the position indicated by the gIm-arm pointer, a flexible rule on the indicator for tracing the course plotted-thereby and adapted to lay'the'further course and predict the range of the target allowing timeforthe flight of the projectile, said carrying-arm permitting of a second movement about its vertical and longitudinal axes independently of its first mentioned movements caused by the adjustment of the gun, means 'for simultaneously shifting said gunarmlaterally over the board and causing saidindependent .movement of the carrying-arm about its vertical axis, means for simultaneously shifting the pointer of the gun-arm over the board at an angle to its lateral movement and'causing said independent movement of the carrying-arm about its longitudinal axis, said independent'movements of the carrying-arm causing the stationarily mounted sight to be set back off the target in' proportion to the movement of the gun-arm when the latter is moved to thepredicted position.

17 In a range-finding and predicting de-- vice, the combination with an adjustably mounted gun, of a horizontal carrying-arm mounted to move about a vertical axis with the lateral adjustment of the gun and to move about its longitudinal axis with the elevation and depression of the gun, a sight member stationarily mounted on the carryii'ng arm and having its? line iofsight" 1 normally parallel Mltll'tlie gum-naplotting board pivotally mounted on said. arm for orientation, an} indicator. arm connected to the .carrying-arm to-ibe s'hifted laterally'zover the board by the lateral movement 20f said-carryings-arm, an indicator adjustably-mounted on the indicator-arm and including means :for recording on the -hoard, azsecond.sight member pivotally; mounted on the-carryingarm, an operable connectioir between said second sight and the indicator %for adjusting the latter Jon the. indicatorsarmato indicate on; the board in 'ratial-proporfiions the distance of a-targenla gun-arm mounted :to move overthe-board=and having a pointer thereon,. means for? tracing the course plotted hy'the indicator-and to lay the furtheir course :and' predictthe range ot-the tar:- get; said carrying-iarnisperxnitting of asec- 0nd 'movement about its vertical and ilongitudinalza'xesindependently ofits: first: inentionedwmovementscaused,-byethe adjustment of theiieun, means for simultaneously-shift:- said gun :arm laterally .onerv the iboard and -cansin'g said independent movement at the carr'yingiarm about its vertical axis, aneans'f: for asiuinltazneously: shifting! the pointeneof thevgumarm :over: the board at an angle to; its; laterals movement; and causing sai'id independent moyement 1-ofthe carrying armrabout its longitudinhh-anis, saidrinde pendent movements :01"? 1 the rrying? 1' arm causinghtiheqs'tationarilv moiuitcd sight-to he set baclroffithe :thiigetiin proportion rtozthe movement at the: EgUBfi-STID, whenwthe' latter is movedzto the; predicted positioniw :w

n18: :A: device 5015 the; 1 kind described cempnising'; incombination witha gun meunte'd for :ho'rizontal and :vertical adjustment, a horizont'zih c'arryirig-arm mounted to move about eta-vertical.- axis avith th'e horizontal adj ustmeiit of-thegun-and'to move about its longitudinal? ahis vith-uthe' elevation and depression ofthe gum:a":sighmrigidonithe earry-ing' hrmand; having iits line "of; sight normally: parallel with the I gun, a plotting hoard carried on said? am and capable of orientation, an indicator havin-gconnection with the marrying-arms tOgflIlOVG therewith and overthe plottin'g boardra' second sight member :piivotally.suppoittedion the carrying=arm and having an7o'perable. connection withisaidindicator for: adjusting-the latter relatively to said :arm. whereby-the position of thei target is indicated/on the :board, means for tracing-the courseplotted by the indicator and to predictthe further range of the target, a gnu-arnrmounWdtoe move over the plotting-board and .havinga pointer thereon,- the mounting of {said carryingsarm being such as to permit of a movement about its .-vertical and longitudinal axes independently of its movements causedby the adjustinentof said gun, -means for simultaneously shifting said gun-arm latera-flyover the board and causing said inclependent movement of the carrying-arm about its vertical axis, means ifor simultaneously shifting the gun-arm. overthe board at anangle to its lateral movement and cansing: said independent movement of the carryin -arm about its longitudinal axis, said independent movements causingthe rigidly mounted sight to be moved back off the target in proportion to the movement of the gun-arm, :when the latter is moved to the predicted-range-on the board.

19.:A-device of the kind described .comprising, in combination with a gun mounted for horizontal and vertical adjustment, a

horizontal.carryingarm vmounted to move aboutlca vertical axis with the horizontal adjustment of the gun and :to move about its longitudinal axis with the elevation-and 'depression;oftlie gun, a: sight rigidon the carrying arm and havingits line tot-sight normally parallel with the :gun, a T plotting hoard carried onjsaid arm,:and,cap.able-.of orientation, an indicaton-havingIconnection with the 5carrying-arm T to j-mo ve; therewith and-olver the plotting-board, aseco'nd sight member; pivotall ysupported on Ethe carry ingsarinr and having: an operable connection with saidi indicator; ifori adj usting the; latter "on .saidarm, wherebythe positionof the target 'is indicated-on the-board,- means for tracing the icourse plotted by the indicator and't'o predict the further range of'the target, --agun-artn mounted to move over the plotting board andhaving' a pointer thereon, the mounting of said carrying-armheing such as to permit of -;a movement about its vertical and longitudinal axes independently of its movements caused :by'the adjustment of said gun, means for simultaneously shifting said gun-arm laterally over the board and causing said independent movement of the carryingarm about its vertical axis, means for simultaneously shifting the gun-arm over-the boardratwan angle to its lateral movement and causing s'aid independent movement of the carrying-arm about-its longitudinal axis, said independent movements causing the rigidly mounted sight-.tohe-moved back off the target in proportion to the movement of the gun-arm, when the latter is moved to the predicted range on the board, both said means for simultaneously adjusting the gun-arm I and carrying-arm being adapted to be actuated inunison.

- 20. The combination with an adj'nstably mountedgun, of a horizontal carrying-arm movablcabout a substantially vertical axis with the lateral adjustment of the gun and movable about its longitudinal axis with verticaladjustment of the gun, a pair of sight members on the arm, one being rigidly disposed and having its line of sight nor 'ma-lly' parallel with'the gun while the other sight is movably disposed, a plotting boa-rd, an indicator arranged in cooperative rela tion with the board and being shifta-ble over thefboard in one direction by the movement ofsaid arm and shifta-ble over the board at an' angle to the first mentioned direction of movement by the movement of the movable sight, whereby the combined observations of the'sights operate the indicator to indicate the position of a target on the board, means for tracing the'course plotted by the indicator and to predict the further range of the target, a gun-arm mounted to move over the plotting board andhaving a pointer thereon, the mounting of said carrying-arm being such as to permit of a movement about its vertical and longitudinal axes independently of its movements caused by the adjustment of said gun, means for simultaneously shifting said gun-arm laterally over the board and causing said independent movement of the carrying-arm about its ver tical axis, means for simultaneously shifting the gun-arm over the board at an angle to its' lateral movement and causing said' independent movementof the carrying-arm about-its longitudinal axis, said independent movements causing the rigidly mounted sight-to be moved back off the target in proportion to the movement of the gun-arm, when" the latter is moved to the predicted range on the board.

' 21.- The combination with a gun adjust ably'mounted, ofacarrying-arm adjustable with the gun, a pair of sight members on the arm, one being rigid and the other movably' disposed on the arm, said rigid sight having its line of sight normally parallel with the gun, a plotting board, an indicator arranged'in cooperative relation with the board and being shiftable over the board in one direction by the movement of said arm and shiftable over the board at an angle to its first mentioned direction of movement by the movement of the movable sight, whereby the combined observations of the sight operate the indicator to indicate the position of a target on the board, means for predicting on the board a future range of the target, means mounted on said arm for cooperating with the predicted range, and mechanism connected with said last men tioned means for causing an adjustment of said rigid sight independently of the gun back off the target proportionally to the movement of said last means; thereupon bringing said rigid sight on the target by an adjustment of said sight and gun in unison, the gun is positioned to deliver the projectile at the predicted range.

22. In a device of the kind described, the combination with a gun adj ustably mounted, of a shiftable member provided with a base line, a relatively rigid and a relatively movable sight spaced apart on. said member, the rigid sight being normally parallel with the gun and forming theiright-angula'r legofa triangle with the baseline, said movable sight forming the hypotenuse of the triangle, a plotting board supported on'the baseline, an indicator 'movable overthe board and actuated by said movable s'ight'to indicate on the board the distance of the target as the angle between 'thebase line and the movable sight varies,' said' base line member being adjustable in unison with the gun and having connection with said indicator to move the latter over the board to indicate the lateral positions of the target when'the gun is moved about a vertical axis, means for predicting onthe board a future'range of the target, means'mounted on saidfbase line member for cooperating with the-predicted range, and mechanism'connected-w'ith said last mentioned :nieans for causing an adjustment of said rigid sight independent 01f1 the gun baclczofi' V the target i'pi'oportiona y s': I w,- i f 5 hav 1 23; In a .device bftheirind' described, the combination witha adjustably mcunted, of a base member 3 providingfa zliasedine, a relatively: rigidjand a' I relatively movable sight on the" base member; said r-igid" sight being normally parallel with the and forming the right-angularrlg of a; triangle with'the base line,- said 'mo'vable rsight forming the "hypotenuse of"; the tr'i-angld (said base member being adjustable in unison with the gun, a plotting boa-rdpivotally mounted about the axis of the movable sight for orien' tation, an indicator.- movable and actuatedby said movable sight to indicate on the-board the distance of the target'as the angle between the base-line and movable sight varies,said indicator having connection with said base line causing the indicator-to be moved over the board to indicate the lateral positions of the target, means for predicting on the board a futurerange'of the target, means mounted on said arm forcooperating with the predicted range, and mechanism connected with said last mentioned means for causing an adjustment of said rigid sight independently'of the gun back ofi thejtarget proportionally to the movement of said last means, thereupon bringing said; rigid sight on the target by an adjustment ofsaid sight and gun in unison,'thegun is positioned to deliver the projectile at thepredicted range.

24. In a device of the kind described, the combination with a gun adjustably mount ed, of a plotting board, an indicator movable over the board to indicate the position of a target, shiftable sights having operative connection with the indicator for causing the proper indicating operation of the indicator from the combined positions of the sights, one of said sights being movable in unison -i avith the; gun; .means: for predicting on the board 1 a future-range f the 5 target, means forcoopera'tingativith the range. predicted on the board,- and:mechanismconnected :with said: last -:mentionedmeans for causing an adjustment of the last mentioned sight? independently. of? the gun back oif the target. in proportion to-the movement-of said last-means. 5;.

25. In a device of the-kind described, the combination with .a gun? adjustablymounted, of a plotting 'board an indicator movable overthe board to indicate-the positionr'of a target, sight mechanism having operative connection with the indicator for causing the proper indicatingoperations ofthe latter, saidw mechanism; including-:21. sight movable inunlison with =the=vgun-,'=vsa-id indicator.- .co'nsistingi or" means to record on: the board the indicated-:- positions: :of r the target means adapted to trace and :nieasu're the :tr-aveled course recorded; a on: the board: and s to pre-v diotithefuturemang, 'a: gunarm; smovable over the board relatively to the indicatorito coincideiwitlbthe pi'edirfied rangia, and mechanism connected avitlrsaid; for caus ing: aneadjustmeiiti 40in theasight, :Which "is movable with thi gun, independently ofifihe back soft the targetiin proportion the movement-16f said guiiiarm. 1, 141 "261. The combination: with: a gun: adij ustjably mounted,- 0f a supporting member adjustable with5the gun, a-pain of; spaced co; operating sights on said menibn-one rigidly mounted and the otherniovably mounted on the member," a plotting-board mountedon said :member adjacentltheamovable. 'sight and being capable of orientation; said rigid sighfihaving its line of sight normally parallel I ivith the-gun indicating 7 means -ar-. ranged to move over the. boardto? indicate the lateral position iof the target by traversing tIie-gunaandto indicate the distanceof the target by ianiadjust-ment oflthe movable sight, ineanshfor predicting on the-board a future'range'ofi thettarget troin the indicated positions,:=meaus tocoinbidelwith the pre dirted range, mechanism connected with said last mentioned means :for 1 causingan adj ustment' of said rigid sight independently Fof the gun 'back' 'ofi' the target inratio to the movement of said'last means.'= 1: 5 27. A device of the kind described comprising, in combination-with :a gun :mounted" for horizontal and vertical adjustment, a horizontal carrying-arm mounted to move about'a vertical aizis with the horizontal adjustment-of the-gun and to=move aboutits longitudinal aizis'with the elevation and depression of the gun, a sight rigid on the ca-rrying-armand having its line of sight normally parallel with the gun, a plotting board carried on said arm and capable of orientation, an indicator having :connection with thecarrying-arm to move therewith andlover the plotting board, a-seoond sight memberpivotally; supported on thecarrying-arm and having an operable connection with said indicator for adjusting the latter relatively to said arm, Wherebythe position of the target is indicated on the board.

' The combination with a gunand a laterally adjustable mount therefor, a carrying-arm mounted- 'on the gun-mount .and having connection with thegun to be moved about its longitudinal axis with elevation and depression of the gun, a rigid sight on the-arm, a, plotting board on said arm and capable of orientation, other sighting-means on the arm foriobtaining the range of a target andto predict a future range, a gunarm movable over the board to coincide with the predicted range said carrying-arm being adapted to be adjusted aboutits longis tudinal- -aizis' and about a vertical axis independently ofithe adjustment of the gun, and means; for moving the? gun-arm-and causing such iridepehdentadjhstments of said carry-v ing a rm;;:i11,ratia1 1 proportion to the move? nientofithegun-arm; i A -a29.i.fl .heq combination .:With* 7 a E gun {and a laterally-,-adj ustable; mount. therefor,- a sleeve horizontally and rotatably vm'gmnted; in z the gummount, i said sleeve h'aving vconnection with-the gunsof as ,:to be zrotated by the elevation: and: depression of the; gun, a oarry ing arm extending through the sleeve and having a universal connection with;the lat-.

ter for supporting the. arm and permitting a secondary lateral andtrotatable adjustment thereofindependently of the adjustment of the .-gun,-'mechanism carried on'the carryingarnr for; obtaining the range of-a target, means to'coincide with rangeobtained, and meansfor moving said last means and. cansing such independent adjustments of said carrying-arm in 'ratial proportion to the movement of the'gumarm. I V r 30;: The combination with a gun and a laterally adjustable-mount:therefor, a sleeve horizontally and'rot-atably mounted in the gun-mount, 'said sleeve having connection with the gun so as=to be rotated by the elevation and. depression of the gun, a carrying arm extending through the sleeve and having a universal connection with the latter'for supportingthearm and permittingasecondary lateral and rotatable adjustment thereof independently-of the adjustment of the'gun', a rigid sight on the arm, a movable sight on the arm, a plotting board on the arm and capable of orientation, an indicator movable with said arm and further operable by the movement of said movable sight to indicate the range of a target on the board, a gun-arm to coincide with range, and means for moving said gun-arm and causing said independent adjustment of said carryingarm in ratial proportion to the movement of the gun-arm.

- 31. The combinationwith a gun and a laterally. adjustable mount therefor, alsleeve horizontally. and rotatably mounted in the gun-mount, said sleeve having connection with the gun 'so as to. be rotated by the elevation and depression ofthe gun, a'carrying arm extending through the sleeve and having a universal connection with the latter for supporting the arm and permitting a secondary lateral and rotatable adjustment thereof independentlv of the adjustment of the gun, a rigid sighton the arm, other sighting means onthe arm for obtaining the range of, a target and to predict a future range, a gun-arm movableto coincide with the ranges obtained, .means for simultaneously shifting said gun-arm and "causing said independent lateral movementof the said carrying-arm, and means for simultaneously shifting the gunarm at an angle to its first mentioned movement and causing said independent rotatable movement of the carrying-arm, said independent movements causing the rigidly mounted sight to be moved back oif the target in proportional ratio to the movement of the gun-arm, when the latter is moved to a predicted range.

32. The combination. with a gun and a laterally adjustable mount therefor, a sleeve horizontally and rotatably mounted in the gun-mount, said sleeve having connection with the gun so as to be rotated by the elevation and depression of the gun, a carrying arm extending through thesleeve and having a universal connection with the latter for supporting the arm and permitting a secondary lateral and rotatable adjustment thereof independently of the adjustment of the gun, a rigid-sight on the arm, other sighting means on the arm for obtaining the range of a target and to pred1ct a future range, a gun-arm movable to coincide with the range obtained, means for simultaneously shifting said gun-arm and causing said independent lateral movement of the said carrying-arm, and means for simultaneously shifting the gun-arm at an angle to its first mentioned movement and causing said independent rotatable movement of the carrying-arm, said independent movements causing the rigidly mounted sight to be moved back off the target in proportional ratio to the movement of the gun-arm, when the latter is moved to a predicted range, both said means for simultaneously adjusting the gun-arm and carrying-arm being adapted to be actuated in unison.

33. A device of the kind described including a plotting board, an indicator movable over the board and consisting of means for recording at intervals of time the position of the indicator relative to the board.

34. A device of the kind described including a plotting board, an indicator movable over the board, means on the indicator for recording at 'greaterorlesser intervals of time the position of the indicator-relativeto the board, thefrecording at: greater-intervals being distinguishable from-the re-. cording at lesser intervals- 35. In a device of thekind described, .a movably mounted indicator,- perforators mounted on the indicator of .varying sizes, a clock mechanism,..and operative means connecting said .clock mechanismand said perforator, whereby the-perforators-of one sizewill be operated at greater intervals of time and the perforators of another size will be operated at lesser intervals.; 7 3( i. A device-of he kind describedincluding a plotting board, an indicator ,movable over the board andconsistin'g of m'eansfor recording. at intervalsroi; vtime the .position of the indicator relative to the board, and a flexible and extensible member adapted to coincide with the line recorded.

37 A device of thekind described including a plotting board, an indicator movable over the board and consisting of means for recording at intervals of time the position of the indicator relative to the board, and a flexible and extensible member secured to the indicator and constructed to project to equal degrees on opposite sides of the indicator, when said member is operated, for the purposes set forth.

38. A device of the kind described including a plotting board, an indicator movable over the board and consisting of means for recording at intervals of time the position of the indicator relative to the board, and an extensible ruler of a lazy-tong construction centrally pivoted to the indicator and adapted to be flexed laterally.

39. In combination, a gun including a gun mount, operable instrumentalities for constantly giving the range of a target and predicting a future range therefor, and an operative connection between said instrumentalities and gun for adjusting the latter by the operations of the former to properly position the gun for delivering projectiles at the predicted range.

40. In combination, a gun including a gun mount, means for constantly observing, giving the range and predicting a future range for a target, said means being mounted on the gun mount, and an operative connection between said means and gun for adjusting the latter by the operations of the former, whereby the gun is properly positioned for delivering projectiles at the predicted range.

.1. In a device of the character described, the combination with a gun adjustably mounted, .of shiftable means for sighting a target, means actuated by said sight means to indicate the position of the target, means fbr predicting a future range for the target, and means to cooperate with said predicted range and operable to cause the gun to be adjusted to proper position for delivering a projectile at the predicted range.

42.- In a device of the kind described, the combination with a gun adjustably mounted, of shiftable means for sighting a target, means actuated by said sight means to indicate and record the positions of the target during its course, means to cooperate with the recorded course for predicting a future range for the target, and means to cooperate with said predicted range and operable to cause the gun to be adjusted to proper position for delivering the projectile at the predicted range.

43. In a device of the kind described, the combination with a gun adjustably mounted, of shiftable means for sighting a target, means actuated by said sight means the gun back off the target proportionally to the movement of said last means, whereby further observation of the target will cause the gun to be positioned to deliver a projectile at a predicted range.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature 1 in the presence of two witnesses.

LEONARD A. SMITH.

lVitnesses i R. C. L. GRAHAM, J. B. WISE, Jr. 

